NFL turns black eye on domestic violence

The NFL’s most recent cases of domestic violence seem to be getting pushed against the backburner and resulting in a slap on the wrist.

Former Baltimore Ravens Running Back Ray Rice, was suspended for two games after rendering his then fiancée unconscious in an elevator, before leaving a hotel in Atlantic City, NJ, earlier this year.

Since Rice’s alleged assault with his then fiancée Janay Palmer, Rice said, “his actions were ‘inexcusable’ and that he and his wife were in counseling,” according to CNN reporter Jill Martin.

Rice is just one of many alleged abusers within the NFL along with Ray McDonald, Greg Hardy, A. J. Jefferson, Robert Reynolds, Dez Bryant, and Rod Smith.

One player imparticular, Jefferson was suspended for four games, but then NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell lifted Jefferson’s suspension.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell

“Sometimes players were suspended for a game or two. Sometimes, charges were reduced, which also reduced the severity of the NFL punishment. Sometimes, charges were dropped and players’ names were cleared,” said CNN reporter Michael Martinez.

According to Huffington Post reporter Debbie Hines, “Many young boys and youth mimic what they see their sports role models do on and off the field.”

These cases of domestic violence don’t stop families from watching football together on Sunday’s or Monday nights. This is shocking in the eyes of many, because the families are disregarding the bad things that the players are doing off of the field.

“My job is to lead my family. My job is to lead my wife. My job is to lead in whatever I do. And If I’m not being the example, then my family crumbles,” stated Rice in CNN article, “Ray Rice Terminated by Team, Suspended by NFL After New Violent Video”, reporter Jill Martin.

Since the year 2000 there have been over 713 domestic violence related arrests in the NFL.

“In the eyes of some viewers the NFL protects their players and the due-process is left to the NFL,” said CNN reporter Michael Martinez, in article NFL’s Past Penalties For Domestic Violence A Different Story.

Since Rice’s domestic violence incident Goodell, created a new policy against domestic violence.

Martinez stated, “The new policy imposes a six-game unpaid ban for first-time offenders and up to a lifetime ban for second-time offenders.”

What upsets many people is the fact that Goodell has enforced stronger punishments for illegal tattoos, DUI, substance abuse, dog-fighting. However Goodell slaps players on the wrist with suspending members for a game or two as a result of a domestic violence case.

“The NFL is sending a strong message by issuing such a weak suspension; it’s about as meaningful as a yellow card in a soccer game,” said ESPNW reporter Jane McManus.

The problem that the NFL faces is the fact that their policies against domestic violence aren’t strongly enforced. In time we will see how the NFL reacts to future domestic violent issues with their athletes.